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Billions of Chinese Citizens Get Home Village for Lunar New Year

2011-01-19T17:53:00.001+07:00

Kereta super cepat buatan China di stasiun Shanghai

Billions of travelers in China preparing to return home to celebrate the traditional New Year (Lunar) beginning next February. They began to pack the train stations and airports in China, Wednesday, January 19, 2011.
According to the Ministry of Transport statement, quoted by Xinhua news agency, the number of passengers using various modes of transportation - trains, planes, ships and buses - could reach 2.56 billion people, this figure including migrant workers and workers from abroad because of China's population to 2010 recorded 1.3 billion people. The number of travelers increased by 11.6 percent. Period flow back and forth within the framework of Chinese New Year in China usually lasts for 40 days.
At the airport the city of Harbin, Heilongjiang province, as many as 252 aircraft fleet will be added to transport passengers. At the airport the city of Chongqing and Guangzhou, 12 additional aircraft by 5100 seats to be added.
High-speed rail will also be added at some stations in Wuhan, Hubei province. Ministry of Transportation said that 55 additional trains will be operated, a total of 88 high speed trains that will transport passengers. At this station has been provided as many as three million tickets will be sold.
For ordinary train, the Chinese government to add as many as 300 trains which are expected to transport 230 million people at its peak. Around 2265 the train will operate per day for 40 days.
Over the next 40 days, billions of people and ply to my hometown, whether to celebrate Chinese New Year with family and pilgrimage to the ancestral tomb. This holiday is a holiday that eagerly awaited by the workers who yearn to see relatives in the village.
"Fly rumahlah who make this great migration. I can not wait to go home, the warmth of the house will melt all the fatigue and difficulty in travel, "said Li Jiwei, a student at Lanzhou.
Not unlike in Indonesia, the travelers will be crowded trains by overcrowding. Those who can not seating, must be willing to stand throughout the journey. Police train, Zhao Hongye, said millions of people who poured hot like a sauna create an atmosphere.
"Patrols in the train like a sauna for me. Very solid, 18 cars along the 450 meters only, but to spend up to two hours until the end, "said Zhao.

Copied from vivanews.com

AntiBlackList KIS / KAV KEY

2010-06-29T14:28:00.001+07:00

Here For U patch anti block Antivirus KIS/KAV

Download NOW

Thanks for you support
NB : this Patch don't work again.

Manga Link

2010-03-06T22:14:00.002+07:00

Buat yang suka / hobby Manga download.
kini sudah tersedia Link nya.
http://cartoon-manga.blogspot.com/

Norton™ Internet Security 2010 with Patch

2010-02-19T18:02:00.000+07:00

Download :
Original link

Direct Link

For Patch

Thanks for Uploader.
Thanks for Berry_Kuserkesur for patch

blog gw

2010-02-13T01:02:00.001+07:00

Coba test

cuma buat tester doank

10 Tips Mencegah Serangan Phising

2009-10-28T19:51:00.000+07:00

Serangan phising atau jerat dunia maya belakangan ini menyerang pengguna Facebook. Satu-satunya cara mengatasi serangan yang memanfaatkan celah kelemahan sosial pengguna adalah dengan melakukan sikap hati-hati.

Dalam serangan tersebut penyebar phising berusaha mengambil alih akun Facebook dengan mengirimkan link halaman website palsu yang tampilannya benar-benar mirip Facebook. Bergitu pengguna Facebook terjebak dan dengan sukarela memasukkan nama logon dan password, otomatis informasi tersebut akan masuk ke data si penjahat dan akan dimanfaatkan untuk kepentingannya sendiri seperti menyebar spam alias iklan sampah ke akun-akun lain yang saling terkait.

Kaspersky lab memperkirakan distribusi kode jahat melalui situs jejaring sosial ini 10 kali lebih efektif menginfeksi dibandingkan dengan penyebaran melalui email. Sebab, pengguna internet jauh lebih tertarik untuk mengklik sebuah link yang diterima dari teman mereka, dibandingkan link dari pesan spam yang random.

"Tetap waspada dan lakukan tindakan pencegahan yang tepat merupakan kunci untuk tidak masuk ke dalam perangkap mereka," ujar David Emm, anggota dari Tim Penelitian dan Analisa Global Kaspersky Lab.

Berikut 10 tips Kaspersky Lab untuk mencegah dari serangan phising:

1. Untuk situs sosial seperti Facebook, buat bookmark untuk halaman login atau mengetik URL www.facebook.com secara langsung di browser address bar.

2. Jangan mengklik link pada pesan email.

3. Hanya mengetik data rahasia pada website yang aman.

4. Mengecek akun bank Anda secara regular dan melaporkan apapun yang mencurigakan kepada bank Anda.

5. Kenali tanda giveaway yang ada dalam email phising:
- Jika hal itu tidak ditujukan secara personal kepada anda.
- Jika anda bukan satu-satunya penerima email.
- Jika terdapat kesalahan ejaan, tata bahasa atau sintaks yang buruk atau kekakuan lainnya dalam penggunaan bahasa. Biasanya ini dilakukan penyebar phising untuk mencegah filtering.

6. Menginstall software untuk kemanan internet dan tetap mengupdate antivirus.

7. Menginstall patch keamanan.

8. Waspada terhadap email dan pesan instan yang tidak diminta.

9. Berhati-hati ketika login yang meminta hak Administrator. Cermati alamat URL-nya yang ada di address bar.

10. Back up data anda.

Sumber : Kompas.com

Mempercepat Starp up anda pada windows xp

2009-09-28T16:47:00.000+07:00

Mengatasi delay start up pada windows xp (work only in version xp2 or more).
Setting regedit anda dengan cara :

Cara Mempercepat start up pada Windows Xp

Mengatasi delay start up pada windows xp (work only in version xp2 or more).
Setting regedit anda dengan cara :
1. Setting regedit : Start > Run (ketik regedit, akan ada window regdit) lihat gambar di bawah ini :

2. Setting msconfig : start > run (ketik regedit, akan ada window System Configuration Utulity) lihat gambar di bawah ini :

3. Setelah mengikuti langkah-langkah yang ada pada gambar. restart komputer anda. Lihat perbedaannya. Apabila tidak berjalan mungkin spesifikasi komputer anda tidak memadai.
(its work on my windows xp service pack 2)

Nb : Mohon maaf apabila tidak bisa bekerja pada komputer anda. Thanks buat para mastah" yang telah mengurui saya.

Optimalkan Bandwidth

2009-09-26T08:58:00.000+07:00

Windows XP sebenarnya juga mengurangi bandtwith kita sebesar 20%, 20% ini digunakan window untuk mendownload update untuk window.

Secara default Windows XP sebenarnya juga mengurangi bandtwith kita sebesar 20%, 20% ini digunakan window untuk mendownload update untuk window.

Ini langkah-langkah untuk menghilangkan pengurangan bandwidth tersebut :

1. Klik Start > Run > ketik : gpedit.msc (dan akan muncul window : "Windows Policy".
2. Lalu masuk ke : Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > QOS Packet Scheduler (di tampilan bagian kanan pilih "Limit Reservable Bandwidth", disitu tertulis "Not Configured")
3. Doubel klik "Limit Reservable Bandwidth"(akan ada tampilan baru, "Limit reservable bandwidth Properties").
4. Di bagian Tab Setting tandai pada bagian "enable".Lalu ubah pada kolom "Bandwidth limit(%)" menjadi "0".
5. Terakhir Close window tersebut dan restart bila perlu.
6. Silahkan menikmati :D

"Its work in my Windows XP sevice pack 2"

Kepada mastah" mohon pencerahan apabila saya ada kesalahan.Thanks to all.

Indonesian News

2009-09-12T23:11:00.000+07:00

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com

"Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey a clear message to the Government of Malaysia in order to really know the sensitivity of certain issues so that no excessive reaction. Typically, we react to something we think should not happen. I think it needs a clear message conveyed by the language well, but also firmly, that is to maintain our good relations, bilateral relations between Indonesia and Malaysia, "he said.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono asked the Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda convey a clear message to the Government of Malaysia to the government's land understand the relative sensitivity of the issues that can interfere with good relations Indonesia and Malaysia.

Although not always related matter of principle, a potentially sensitive issue of raising the community's negative sentiment.

President Yudhoyono stressed that when delivered an introduction to the plenary cabinet meeting at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Thursday (10 / 9).

"Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey a clear message to the Government of Malaysia in order to really know the sensitivity of certain issues so that no excessive reaction. Typically, we react to something we think should not happen. I think it needs a clear message conveyed by the language well, but also firmly, that is to maintain our good relations, bilateral relations between Indonesia and Malaysia, "he said.

According to the President, a number of issues, including the use of the Balinese Pendet the Malaysian tourism advertisements and claims against several Indonesian cultural products, is not quite matter of principle, but sensitive. The issues considered include the principle of the state boundary issue, because it concerns the sovereignty of the nation.

Problem "sweeping"

Related to a number of sensitive issues, the President also asked people not to respond with excessive or excessive action, especially against the law, for example by doing search for Malaysian citizens.

"Sweeping is not the best move, but it raises new problems. The government has actually carry out their duties, we do protest, diplomatic action. Government work, Eminent Person Group is also working, so there should be no actions excessive, "said the President.

Eminent Person Group was formed, President Yudhoyono and Prime Minister of Malaysia, Abdullah Badawi at the time, to manage, maintain good relations, and to find solutions to the problems that occur in relations between the two countries.

Related to this sweeping action of Malaysians that occurred about two hours at around Jalan Diponegoro, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Teuku Faizasyah, confirming that the Ambassador of Indonesia to Malaysia Da'i Bachtiar, Wednesday (9 / 9), has been summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia.

At the meeting, as also reported Bernama, Malaysian Foreign Minister Anam delivered Anifah Malaysia's position related to several issues that make the relationship between the two countries strained. These include sweeping action against the citizens of Malaysia in Jakarta, which he said could lead to conflict between people of both countries.

Naturally problems

Regarding the relations between the two countries, President Yudhoyono warned, because of Indonesia and neighboring Malaysia, the main partners, and allied nations, naturally if often a problem.

"If the countries in Western Europe or Latin America or Africa, there never was a problem, because it is more rarely seen, rarely interact, and so forth," he said.

The President said, a good resolution of various problems that arise in the Indonesia-Malaysia relations are also highly expected by the 1.8 million Indonesian citizens currently living in Malaysia for work or study.

Malaysia claims regarding the products of Indonesian culture, the President said the government is also struggling through efforts to gain international recognition. Exemplified by the President, on October 2, later, the Organization of Education, Science, and Culture of the United Nations (UNESCO) will set batik as a world cultural heritage originating from Indonesia.

Two cultural products which had already been recognized UNESCO from Indonesia are puppets (2003) and keris (2005).

"This is the best way. The government endeavored, after the wayang, keris, batik and soon became the world's cultural heritage from Indonesia. There's more angklung, Sasando, and so on. People must understand that the government also continued to work for it, "said the President. (OIC / DAY)

News from : http://id.news.yahoo.com

Indonesian Komodo Island

2009-09-10T17:31:00.000+07:00

Komodo Island, Komodo dragon animals live and breed well. Until August 2009, on the island there are about 1300 Komodo dragon's tail. Plus the other islands, such as Island and the island of Rinca and Gili Motang, their numbers totaled about 2500 tails. There are also about 100 Komodo dragon's tail at Wae Wuul Nature Reserve on the mainland island of Flores, but not including the Komodo National Park area.

Komodo Island is an island located in the Nusa Tenggara Islands. Komodo Island is known as the Komodo dragon habitat for native animals. The island is also the Komodo National Park is managed by the central government. Komodo Island to the west of Sumbawa Island, separated by Sape Strait.
Administratively, these islands including Komodo subdistrict, West Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. Komodo Island is the westernmost tip of Nusa Tenggara Timur province, bordering the province of West Nusa Tenggara.
Komodo Island, Komodo dragon animals live and breed well. Until August 2009, on the island there are about 1300 Komodo dragon's tail. Plus the other islands, such as Island and the island of Rinca and Gili Motang, their numbers totaled about 2500 tails. There are also about 100 Komodo dragon's tail at Wae Wuul Nature Reserve on the mainland island of Flores, but not including the Komodo National Park area.
Komodo addition, this island also store a variety of exotic flora Sepang timber that is used by people around As with medicine and clothing dye, or nitak tree Sterculia oblongata in believed to be useful as a drug and tasty and good seeds like peas.

History of Comodos Island

In 1910 the Dutch named the island on the south side of East Nusa Tenggara Province is the nickname of Komodo Island. This story begins with Lieutenant Steyn va Hens Broek who tries to prove statements about the existence of the Dutch troops to resemble a dragon monster on the island. Steyn then killed one of the Komodo dragon and bring documentation to the Museum and Botanical Garden in Bogor to be studied.

Preview about Notebook

2009-09-10T13:08:00.000+07:00

Newsroom / Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard

By : Onion News Network
Thank to : - Google
- Youtube
- ONN

UNESCO - Indonesian heritage

2009-09-08T17:14:00.000+07:00

Confession later on September 28 and officially award on October 2 in Abu Dhabi," said Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Aburizal Bakrie at Bogor Palace, Monday (7/9/2009).

According to him, it was given UNESCO recognition mainly because of an assessment of the diversity of batik motifs a meaningful philosophy of depth.

Indonesia (Bogor City) - Finally the world recognize the batik is one of the heritage of mankind produced by the Indonesian people. Recognition and awards will be presented officially by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Culture Organization (UNESCO).

"Confession later on September 28 and officially award on October 2 in Abu Dhabi," said Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Aburizal Bakrie at Bogor Palace, Monday (7/9/2009).

According to him, it was given UNESCO recognition mainly because of an assessment of the diversity of batik motifs a meaningful philosophy of depth. In addition, the government and people of Indonesia are also assessed has taken various concrete steps to protect and preserve the cultural heritage that is falling down.

These developments on President Yudhoyono welcomed the news. As a token of appreciation for batik and better appreciation of UNESCO, President SBY asks all citizens wear batik on October 2, 2009.

"Others may claim batik, but the world knows that Indonesia's batik industry is," said Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik on the same occasion.

Further, he said the government continues to fight for recognition of the work of other cultures of Indonesia. Right now the middle of the fighting is kulintang music, script Kertagama State Majapahit and epic version of La Galigo Bugis origin

Football

2009-09-08T05:36:00.000+07:00

Goalkeeper Kenny dopping undergo test

London - Increase longer list footballer who caught the case of abuse of illegal drugs. Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, diskorsing for nine months due to getting caught using drugs.

As reported by Reuters, Kenny undergo doping tests after the playoff semi-final action Championship (first division English League) last season against Preston North End. From the results of tests performed, 31-year old goalkeeper was positive for ephedrine, a substance such immune enhancer but prohibited use in a lag of football.

As a result, Kenny had to be fast while playing football for nine months and the sentences handed down by the English Football Association (FA) that would be over on July 22, 2010.

Even so, says FA's disciplinary commission, that the player himself did not intend to use it to increase performance on the field but he got the drugs he was taking to cure the disease.

"While we find that players are not happy that he considered using substances for the purpose of improving performance in the field, and he admitted his guilt," said Commission Chairman Christopher Quinland FA Regulations.

"A professional athlete must have a high responsibility to ensure that no illegal drugs that enter the body. In this case, Kenny accidentally swallowing a drug with more than the stipulated dosisi without reading the instructions listed, and without asking for advice to the team doctor or Other medical teams, "Quinland's final statement.

Uh oh. Gold's near $1,000

2009-09-07T01:57:00.000+07:00

(CNNMoney.com)
With gold nearing last year's highs, it's a cause for concern. But it is probably more a sign of long-term inflation worries than fear of another financial collapse.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Are gold investors starting to sense something wrong that others are missing?

The price of gold is nearing $1,000 an ounce. It closed at $997.70 Thursday, up $19.20 from Wednesday. This rise might be a cause for concern.

In the past two years, gold has flirted with the "box of ziti" level -- a bit of slang for $1,000 from a memorable "Sopranos" episode -- a couple of times. And that usually has coincided with a time of immense strain in the markets

Gold hit a record high of about $1,014 in March 2008, just when Bear Stearns was on the verge of collapse before being "rescued" by the Federal Reserve and JPMorgan Chase (JPM, Fortune 500).

A couple of months later, gold got close to $1000 again due to worries about inflation and a weak dollar. Gold's rise matched oil's march to a record high.

Finally, gold got close to $1000 again in late February of this year, a time when investors were fretting that big banks such as Citigroup (C, Fortune 500) and Bank of America (BAC, Fortune 500) might need to be nationalized.

So what's driving the gold rush this time around? It is hopefully something less sinister than fear of imminent financial doom.

It simply may just be traders looking to hedge their bets a bit as investors begin to worry if the stock market rally that began in March has come too far too fast.

"There hasn't been too much big news driving up gold prices. There is no major catalyst," said Kathy Lien, director of currency research at GFT, a foreign exchange and futures brokerage firm in New York. "I don't think it's a fear of instability in the financial sector. It does reflect skepticism about the strength of the global recovery."

Lien added that in light of how much money has been pumped into the financial system by the Federal Reserve in the past year, some investors may also be worrying about the dollar weakening again. That could drive up prices and cause investors to rush for tangible assets, such as gold, as a safe haven.

"It's prudent for investors in general to increase their exposure to gold given the risks of inflation in the future," Lien said.

2009-09-07T01:55:00.000+07:00

GENEVA, Switzerland -- The World Trade Organization is expected to rule today that billions of dollars in European government subsidies for Airbus aircraft are illegal, handing victory to the U.S.
and Airbus rival Boeing in the first round of the WTO dogfight between the world's biggest aircraft manufacturers.
A ruling against Airbus could spur Washington to challenge subsidies for the development of the A350, pictured here.

A ruling against Airbus could spur Washington to challenge subsidies for the development of the A350, pictured here.

The preliminary ruling is likely to spur Washington to launch a WTO challenge to further government loans, for Airbus to develop its new €11 billion ($16B, £10B) A350 extra wide-bodied airliner -- which will compete with Boeing's long-delayed 787 Dreamliner.

"I think Airbus is bound to lose, the question is how badly," said one Geneva-based analyst, pointing to an earlier case that condemned aircraft subsidies by Brazil and Canada.

A definitive outcome of the case could be two or more years down the line, since both sides are likely to appeal.

Trade lawyers predict that a counter-claim by the European Union could also be successful in a few months' time. The EU has filed a claim against the U.S. government for giving Boeing indirect assistance in the form of tax breaks and contracts.

However, the early judgments in the dispute will have far-reaching implications for the global aircraft industry.
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While Boeing and Airbus dominate the long-haul market, this virtual duopoly faces a growing challenge from aircraft-makers in China and Russia, with manufacturers in Canada, Brazil, Japan and South Korea also aspiring to a greater market share.

Their governments will also be looking to see what forms of support they can use that will pass WTO scrutiny.

"It is our aspiration that this decision will give very clear guidance to other parties that want to build large commercial airplanes," Ted Austell, Boeing's vice-president for government operations, said last week.

The Airbus-Boeing dispute, the biggest, most complex and most politicized case handled by the WTO in its 15 years of existence, was brought to the world trade body in 2004 after the U.S. pulled out of a 1992 bilateral pact limiting direct and indirect government supports for aircraft building.

The U.S. had tried unsuccessfully to renegotiate the pact to stop new development loans being given to Airbus, arguing that the company no longer needed the crutch of state support. Airbus has since overtaken Boeing as the world's largest civil aircraft manufacturer.

At the time the case was filed, the focus was on the $4B in launch aid -- state funding to develop new aircraft -- by the French, German, British and Spanish governments for the A380 super-jumbo jet.

U.S. attention has switched to the A350 XWB, a rival for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, which is well behind schedule.

Last month the UK government pledged £340M ($555M) to Airbus in repayable launch aid for the A350 XWB, following promises of help by France and Germany of up to €1.5B ($2.1B). Ron Kirk, U.S. trade representative, has threatened a new WTO challenge if the pledges take effect.

In the 2004 case the U.S. government argued that launch aid of $15B received by Airbus between 1970 and 2004, though repayable, constituted illegal export subsidies.

These subsidies benefited Airbus by more than $200B, Washington claims, because the loans were made at below commercial rates.

Brussels alleges that Boeing has received or is set to receive a total of about $24B in disguised subsidies through tax breaks and research contracts with the U.S. defense department and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Though the dispute could potentially give rise to billions of dollars in trade sanctions against one or both trade powers, a negotiated settlement still seems the most likely outcome once the WTO cases are concluded.

"The only solution is to put everything on the table and discuss it," said Maggie Bergsma, communications director for Airbus Americas

Brazil win in Argentina to seal World Cup berth

2009-09-07T01:50:00.000+07:00

(CNN) -- Five-times world champions Brazil booked their place at next year's World Cup finals in South Africa with a 3-1 win in Argentina that keeps the home side's
qualification prospects -- and coach Diego Maradona's future -- in the balance.
Argentina's midfielder Juan Veron (L) competes for the ball with Brazil's forward Luis Fabiano.

Argentina's midfielder Juan Veron (L) competes for the ball with Brazil's forward Luis Fabiano.

The visitors seized control early on in Rosario with defender Luisao heading them into the lead on 24 minutes and Luis Fabiano doubling their advantage from close range six minutes later.

Jesus Datolo briefly pulled Argentina back into contention with a spectacular strike from outside the penalty area but Brazil regained their two-goal advantage just two minutes later when Kaka plated in Fabiano to neatly claim his second goal of the night.

The win maintains Brazil's unique record of qualifying for every World Cup since the tournament began in 1930.

"We knew it was going to be tough, but I told my players that if we finished the game with all the players on the field, we were going to win it," said Brazilian coach Dunga, who lifted the World Cup as captain of his country in 1994.

"We tried to play tough, firm, but trying to not get carded. We always tried to play. Brazil were very focused on the game all the time, trying to play with speed in the right moments."
Don't Miss

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Argentina remained in the fourth automatic South American qualifying spot but only because of Ecuador's 2-0 defeat in Colombia and now face a crucial clash with third-placed Paraguay on Wednesday.

"We must keep working hard and go to Paraguay to try to win," said Maradona. "It will not be easy, especially after tonight's defeat because we thought we were going to win. Losing to Brazil is not nice at all."

With three games to play, Brazil lead the South American group with 30 points, three clear of Chile and Paraguay, who both remained on course Saturday to claim two of the three remaining qualifying berths.

Salvador Cabanas' first half penalty gave Paraguay a 1-0 win over Bolivia in Asuncion, while Rodrigo Millar's second-half equalizer rescued a 2-2 draw for Chile in Santiago against Venezuela.

Argentina trail in fourth on 22 points, just two clear of Colombia and Ecuador. The fifth-placed team faces a two-leg playoff against the third-placed team in the CONCACAF North American qualifying zone

Nearly 1,000 rescued in Philippines ferry accidenton Share

2009-09-07T01:40:00.000+07:00

(CNN) -- Nine people were killed and 983 rescued when a ferry capsized Sunday in the Philippines, leaving crews scouring the waters for survivors, officials said.
A woman and child rescued from a
ferry accident off the Philippines on Sunday arrive in port.

A woman and child rescued from a ferry accident off the Philippines on Sunday arrive in port.
Click to view previous image
1 of 2
Click to view next image

The SuperFerry 9 vessel was carrying 968 people, according to its operator, though the Philippine Coast Guard reported rescuing a higher number. It had no dangerous or hazardous cargo on board.

Coast Guard Duty Cmdr. Perfecto Eden said there was no exact tally of the missing, but estimated it to be several dozen.

The ferry took off from the city of General Santos and was bound for Iloilo City.

Survivors and their families were moved to a nearby location, where they were getting medical help and other forms of assistance, the coast guard said.

An investigation will be conducted after rescue operations are completed.

It was the third major incident involving the SuperFerry 9 in the past three years. No fatalities were reported in the other incidents in 2006 and 2007.

Still relevant after decades, the Beatles set to rock 9/9/09

2009-09-07T00:50:00.000+07:00

The repetitive refrain from one of The Beatles' most mind-bending journeys into psychedelia -- "Revolution 9," the audio pastiche from "The White Album" -- is now serving as the backbeat of a
big day for the biggest band in rock 'n' roll history.

On Wednesday -- 9/9/09 -- remastered versions of the Beatles catalogue will be released, giving listeners what the remaining members of "The Fab Four" say is the closest reproduction ever of how their music sounded in the studio.

The same day, the video game "The Beatles: Rock Band" is set to be released by Harmonix. Modeled after the already popular "Rock Band" game, and closely supervised by The Beatles and their estates, the game lets players sing and strum along on a huge list of Beatles classics over scenes ranging from Liverpool's Cavern Club to their final performance on a London rooftop.

And on top of that, there's rampant speculation that a planned "music-themed" announcement by Apple Inc., also scheduled on 9/9/09, could involve the supergroup.

The Beatles are one of a handful of groups whose music has never been approved for sale by Apple's iTunes, and the timing of the announcement has fueled speculation that could finally change -- or even that specialized Beatles iPods, like the ones sold in 2004 loaded with U2's music, could be in the works.

It's a remarkable amount of buzz for a band whose roots stretch back nearly five decades. And it's a clear sign, observers say, that through time and a multitude of cultural shifts, the group's hold on the public's imagination has endured.
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"People are still looking at Picasso. People are still looking at artists who broke through the constraints of their time period to come up with something that was unique and original," said Robert Greenfield, a former associate editor at Rolling Stone magazine who has written about the band. "In the form that they worked in, in the form of popular music, no one will ever be more revolutionary, more creative and more distinctive than The Beatles were."

Research shows that more than 40 years after their last public performance, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr's music remains as interesting to young people now as it ever was.

A Pew Research survey released last month showed that 81 percent of respondents between ages 16-29 said they liked The Beatles. Eleven percent said they dislike the band and only 4 percent said they have never heard of them.

By comparison, current rockers Coldplay received 39 percent positive responses, with 45 percent saying they'd never heard of them. Forty-two percent said they like hip-hop star Kanye West.

"To put this in perspective: Try imagining young adults back in the 1960s putting the big jazz bands of the roaring '20s at the top of their list of favorites," the survey reads. "Not very likely."

Walter Everett, professor and chairman of music theory at the University of Michigan, said his students know The Beatles catalogue as well today as they would have 30 years ago.

He said the cultural phenomenon that was The Beatles -- the frenzy-inducing early concerts, the furor when John Lennon said the group was "more popular than Jesus," the pre-Internet obsession over "Paul is dead" rumors -- made them something more than just another rock group.

"They were just idolized," said Everett, who has written several books on the band. "It was a musical revolution, but [also] the hair, the clothing, their attitude about the establishment, their support of everybody, young and old alike, to try to understand each other at a very difficult time.

"Some of that message endures."

But at the heart of the phenomenon, experts agree, is the music. From the charming, school-boy bop of "I Want To Hold Your Hand" to the blistering assault of "Helter Skelter," the songs, they say, were just that good.

"The point is how great the music is," Greenfield said. "It isn't about the fact that The Beatles were willing to practice and get better at what they did -- it was the fact that that band contained at least two-and-a-half geniuses [Lennon, McCartney and, at times, Harrison]."

Wednesday's announcements -- and, in Apple's case, possible announcement -- show that the minders of The Beatles legacy are keeping up with how today's music consumers behave, said Bruce Birch, director of the University of Georgia's music business program.

"A lot of bands and artists have been slow to embrace the fact that technology is driving the industry," Birch said. "Their music is not going away and this is a step for them for their music to come into the 21st century."

EMI, which will be releasing the remastered recordings, has been famously protective of The Beatles brand and music. Digital reproductions like MP3s have lower sound quality than albums or compact discs -- one of the reasons they've been slow to embrace iTunes.

But if an announcement on that front is coming, Birch said, it would signal an acknowledgement that such quality-control concerns may be obsolete for the majority of the music-buying public.

"It's just a different audience out there," he said. "They're used to listening on ear buds. The sound quality, in some cases, maybe isn't' as important to them."

Everett said that, even with all of the news expected Wednesday, the Beatles music will no doubt remain popular for decades to come -- meaning more new wrinkles are almost certain.

"There's still more that can be done," he said. "Who knows where technology may be in another 10 years? We may have holographic images."

And regardless of how it's delivered, no one's expecting another band to ever eclipse the four lads from Liverpool who would go on to shape popular culture the world over.

"There will probably be another artist that comes along and captures the imagination," Birch said. "But it will never be like The Beatles."